Purtell, R J 1974-06-22

From SWC Oral History Collection
Revision as of 22:15, 30 July 2019 by Elissa (talk | contribs)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

R. J. Purtell, innovator of the Tri-matic irrigation sprinkler system, explains the conceptual basis for his system. He relates the history of the Tri-matic Corporation and the practice of deep breaking.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: R.J. Purtell

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: June 22, 1974

Location: Brownfield, Texas

Interviewer: Jeff Townsend

Length: 1 hour


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Lifestyle on Brownfield farm recalled, Cultural practices mentioned, History of deep breaking related, Mechanical advances noted, States that unfriendly environment is catalyst to progress, Claims soil classification mechanically changed, Early trial-and-error irrigation practices and need for sprinkler system explained, Development of sprinkler system, First use of fertilizer noted, Sprinkler experiments described, Arguments favoring high yield, Discussion of irrigation techniques, Colorful description of cotton growth behavior.

Tape 1, Side 2: Irrigation concepts, experimentation explored, Water control advocated, Claims he adapts machine to land, Development of multi-line system in 1958 explained, Defects of circle system noted, Mobil self-aligning system explained, Character, success of Tri-matic system claimed, Character of Tri-matic Corp. given, Marketing area described, Patents discussed, Marketing problems, experiments examined, Educational background mentioned, Challenge of irrigation discussed, Comments on water use regulations.

Range Dates: 1958-1974

Bulk Dates: 1958-1974


Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:



Thank you for your interest in this oral history interview. Our oral history collection is available to patrons in the Southwest Collection's Reading Room, located on the campus of Texas Tech University. For reading room hours, visit our website. Please contact Reference Staff at least one week prior to your visit to ensure the oral history you are interested in will be available. Due to copyright issues, duplications of our oral histories can only be made for family members. If an oral history transcript has been made available online, the link will be provided on this page. More information on accessing our oral histories is located here. Preferred citation style can be found here.